“Legitimate business is always good business. They won’t pass on it.”

“If they do?”

Carter turned back to his window. “Then I’ll figure something else out.”

Gene shifted in his seat, trying to stretch his long legs. He had no doubt Carter would find a different way. He always did. Then he cursed. The damn jets were so cramped, even the private ones could use bigger leg spaces.

It was the next day, at the end of my shift when I learned the real reason he was headed to New York. Theresa called me and gushed over the phone, “You’re back on!”

“I’m back on what?” I grinned as I heard her excitement and pulled the office door shut behind me. As it clicked in place, I turned for the elevator. The whole day had been torturous. I knew that I’d see Carter that evening. The day went slower because of that.

“The Bourbon account. You’re back on.” She laughed. “Allison was horrible. She was so flustered by your boyfriend, she kept dropping everything. She almost dropped the computer equipment, but Noah sent her out of the room. So you’re back in. That’s great, right?”

“Yeah…” I frowned. “My boyfriend?”

“Yeah, about that.” She turned serious. “Not cool, Emma.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Carter Reed. Your boyfriend. The guy I saw you with at the club, but, stupid me, didn’t realize was Carter Reed.” She grew quiet. “Were you laughing at me? Was that why you didn’t say anything?”

“What?” I punched the elevator button. “No. How do you know about Carter? I didn’t think you had ever met him.”

“What do you mean, how do I know? He’s Noah’s best friend and he owns some shares in the hotel.”

“I thought you said Noah offered him shares and he turned him down?”

“He offered him more shares and he turned those down, but he already owns 32% of the business. I thought you knew that.” She sounded sheepish, “Okay. I’ll admit that I never believed Noah, but I’m realizing that I judged him wrong before I ever really met him.”

I stepped inside the elevator and pushed my button. “Carter and I don’t talk about that stuff.”

“Oh.”

I sighed in frustration. A headache was coming on. “Carter was there? He was in the meeting?” And that was why he was going to New York, not for me, not like he had said.

“Of course he was there. We had to present the new account to the board so that we can go through with making it a brand. You knew that?”

But I hadn’t. I really hadn’t. I sighed into the phone, “Look, I have to go. Can we talk about this later?”

“No, that’s the thing. We’re flying back now. We’re on his jet with him. He’s being nice, Emma. And he said that he wants to treat us tonight. I’m calling you to tell you to get your cute butt all dressed and sexified. We’re going to Octave tonight, and we’re going to be with the owner. Can you imagine what perks go with that? It’s awesome enough just when Noah and I go there because Noah knows him, but actually being with the owner?! I’m really excited. And Brianna’s going to be there too. We already asked. He promoted her once he found out that she was working there. I’m not sure what she does, but Noah’s okay with her working there now. Obviously, your boyfriend did that for him.”

“Stop calling him my boyfriend.”

She grew quiet on her end, but the elevator opened on mine. I stepped out and headed towards my back exit. When the door opened and I slid into the backseat, Mike was next to me. He gave a small wave.

“I’m sorry,” I groaned into the phone. “I’m irritated with him, not you. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”

“Oh. Well. You’re still going to Octave tonight, right? Even if you’re mad at him, you’ll still go? Pleaseee?”

I grinned at how eager she was. “Yes, I’ll go for you.”

“And for him,” she whispered into the phone. “Even if you’re pissed right now, imagine the hot make-up sex. That man if one fine specimen, Emma. I know I should hate him. I used to, but I can’t deny the sex appeal of that man, not one bit. If I wasn’t so used to Noah and how attractive he is, I would’ve reacted the same way as Allison. Good thing I’ve got some immunity built up, huh?”

“You’re horrible.”

She laughed, “Just happy that you’re back on the team again. Noah already told me that he’s going to promote us both. He really doesn’t want Mr. Hudson to get the benefits from this account so he’s moving you above him. Mr. Hudson is going to be your assistant. You’re the Head of Project Promotions now. Congratulations!”

“What?”

There was a grumble on her end before she rushed out, “Sorry. I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. It was a surprise for tonight, but dress sexy. Tonight will be so much fun. I promise!” Then I heard her say, “Shut it, Noah. If I hadn’t said anything, she might not have come out…I don’t care…” Her voice grew clear again. “I’ll see you later, Emma. See you tonight!”

It wasn’t long until my phone lit up again. This time it was Carter.

I answered, “Calling to do damage control?”

He sighed, “No, but now I am. You’re angry with me?”

“Were you sitting right next to her?”

“I’m in the back of the jet. They’re in the front.”

“But how did you—”

“I had the intercom open on her end. I could hear everything she said to you.”

He didn’t even sound apologetic. “You were eavesdropping on her.”

“Yes, I was. And I’ll do it again and again when it comes to you. I’m starting to realize that you have no idea the lengths I have gone and will go for you.”

I shut up and sat back. Then I surrendered, “You weren’t in New York for me.”

“No, I wasn’t, but I was in Chicago because of you, for you. I was in New York today for a friend of mine that asked me a long time ago to buy into his hotel so he could start up his idea. It was a good proposal and I invested. It was smart on my part, one of the first decisions I did independent from those my reputation associates me with. That decision and that money have allowed me to further expand and I am very close to becoming fully independent of those previous associates. Are you understanding me?”